Thrust of a rocket at lift-off

Need help with an ancient A lvl question. Just cant visualise the whole process even though I drew out the diagramA space research Rocket stands vertically on its launching-pad. Prior to ignition, gas is ejected from the rocker at a speed of 2.5x10^3 ms^-1 relative to the rocket, and fuel is consumed at a constand rate of 7.4kgs^-1. Find the thrust of the rocket and hence explain why there is an interval between ignition and lift-off